Synonyms

pessimistic

American

[pes-uh-mis-tik] / ˌpɛs əˈmɪs tɪk /

adjective

pertaining to or characterized by pessimism or the tendency to expect only bad outcomes; gloomy; joyless; unhopeful.

His pessimistic outlook kept him from applying for jobs for which he was perfectly qualified.

Synonyms:

hopeless, despairing

Related Words

See cynical.

Other Word Forms

nonpessimistic adjective
nonpessimistically adverb
overpessimistic adjective
overpessimistically adverb
pessimistically adverb
unpessimistic adjective
unpessimistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of pessimistic

First recorded in 1865–70; pessimist + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The pessimistic case is that a prolonged conflict sends price shocks rippling through fertilizers, industrial chemicals and semiconductor production.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Mayer was pessimistic about the Shields fight happening, pointing to the weight as an issue.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

On Monday, European Commission data showed businesses and consumers across the 21-nation currency area felt more pessimistic about their prospects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The oil shock already can be felt close to home, with higher gas prices at the pump leaving American consumers feeling pretty pessimistic.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026

Yossarian turned away and trudged through the apartment with a gloomy scowl, peering with pessimistic curiosity into all the rooms.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023